Formal magics are longer, more cerimonial spells, normally cast from scrolls or books of formal spells maintained in Guildhalls. They consume rare components but can do things no other sort of magic can attempt to do.

To learn formal magic you must first master enough of Celestial or Earth Magic to have a level 9 Spell Slot. You can then begin the study of Formal Magics and start buying Formal Magic. Each Formal Magic performed uses up its level of the formal magic slots the Primary Caster has for the day as well as a number of specific types of Formal Magic Components (aka Components.) You must have enough unused levels of Formal magic to try cast a specific Formal (but see Dark Territory.

Batches

Casting multiple spells in a batch lets you combine effects on a given target. For example it lets you take a well made sword, give it a damage aura of +1 point of damage, then also render it indestructible, and then make the resulting enchantment last for a full year. The biggest advantage is that the increased duration Formal applies to all the other Formals cast in the same batch. Multiple casters may be needed to perform this as it make take more Formal levels that any one has individually. That is fine, just add up their unused Formal levels for the day. A specific caster must be selected as primary for each specific Formal involved.

Dark Territory

If caster has used enough of their formal levels in a given day that they no longer have enough to cast a new desired formal, they can still attempt it but the casting is now in Dark Territory. After casting a random roll must be made to see if the Formal succeeds or fails and if there is a backlash effect. One has as many levels of Dark Territory Formal Magic as they do of normal formal magics. Some formals such as Obliterate are always cast in Dark Territory (See the Formal description for more details.)

Interruptions

If the casting is interrupted, say by the caster taking damage or being struck by an arrow then being attacked the formal may fail or go off into Dark Territory.

Backlash

If a formal is interrupted or cast in dark territory roll first on the Backlash table to see if the magic backlashes. Then implement the results.

Rewards for casting a good formal

Our charter rates Formals by how entertaining and involving they are for other players and based on that rating the caster may recieve a reward.

Marshaling

The Core rules require that Formal magics are monitored by a Formal Marshal who checks that the necessary scroll is present, that the caster has the required components, and observes that the requirements of the casting are met. After the five to sixty minutes duration of the casting the Marshal ensures the components expended are ripped. If the formal goes badly and backlash occurs the Marshal helps implement the roll for Backlash and notes any negative effects on the character sheets involved.

If you are performing a Formal which is actively opposed either magically or by melee attacks you should use an impartial and warranted Marshal.

If the Formal is one that must be cast in Dark Territory one normally asks for the assistance of a warranted Marshal.

Otherwise any experienced play should be able to Marshal the Formal. They can pick up a copy of the guidelines from Logistics, (optionally selected a sealed envelope with backlash results to use if things go badly) and then watch or participate in the Formal. Afterwards they should turn in any expended components to Logistics as well as the rating for the Formal. Logistics will note any updates, disposed of expended components, and apply any rewards earned for well performed Formal.

At our chapter, as a test, one can select a random envelope containing pre-rolled and witnessed Backlashresults at Logistics to permit casting using the Informal Marshaling method without needing dice, rules, etc.

NEXT